CVE-2018-6109 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2018-6109, a vulnerability in Google Chrome allowing remote attackers to access user data without consent. Find mitigation steps and update information here.
Google Chrome prior to version 66.0.3359.117 had a vulnerability that allowed a remote attacker to access a user's file system without consent.
Understanding CVE-2018-6109
This CVE describes a security flaw in Google Chrome that could be exploited by a remote attacker to access a user's data without permission.
What is CVE-2018-6109?
The vulnerability in the readAsText() function of the File API in Google Chrome versions before 66.0.3359.117 allowed continuous reading of selected files, enabling unauthorized access to the user's file system.
The Impact of CVE-2018-6109
The vulnerability could be exploited by a maliciously crafted HTML page to access sensitive data on a user's file system without explicit consent, posing a significant privacy and security risk.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-6109
Google Chrome's vulnerability prior to version 66.0.3359.117 had the following technical details:
Vulnerability Description
The readAsText() function in the File API allowed continuous reading of selected files, enabling unauthorized access to the user's file system.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Chrome
- Vendor: Google
- Versions Affected: < 66.0.3359.117
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by creating a malicious HTML page to access a user's file system without their explicit consent.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-6109, the following steps are recommended:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Google Chrome to version 66.0.3359.117 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid visiting untrusted websites or clicking on suspicious links to prevent potential exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update browsers and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Educate users about safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software up to date.
Patching and Updates
- Google released a fix in version 66.0.3359.117 to address this vulnerability. Ensure all systems are updated to the latest version to prevent exploitation.